Unlocking a contender: The Jaren Jackson Jr. trade market
Jaren Jackson Jr., the Memphis Grizzlies' two-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year, became eligible to be traded on Tuesday, fueling speculation about his future as the team appears poised for a rebuild. With Memphis expected to move on from Ja Morant, rival executives believe Jackson could be the next cornerstone dealt in exchange for a package of draft picks and young players, according to Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko.
Jackson, 26, represents a rare commodity: an elite rim protector who can also space the floor and create his own offense. His skill set is considered a "skeleton key" for championship contenders, making him a potentially transformative acquisition. Here is a look at nine teams that could emerge as serious suitors:
Boston Celtics
Potential Package: Hugo González, salary filler, and picks.
Rationale: Jackson would be a significant upgrade over current center Neemias Queta, providing elite defense and floor-spacing to complement Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. González, a promising 19-year-old wing, could be the high-ceiling prospect Memphis seeks.
Los Angeles Lakers
Potential Package: Austin Reaves, salary filler, and picks.
Rationale: Reaves, having an All-Star caliber season, may be the best immediate player available in a Jackson trade. Pairing Jackson with Luka Dončić and LeBron James would address the Lakers' defensive woes (ranked 26th) while adding a versatile frontcourt weapon.
Orlando Magic
Potential Package: Anthony Black, salary filler, and picks.
Rationale: Jackson would form a formidable core with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and former teammate Desmond Bane, elevating Orlando from a playoff team to a genuine contender. His reunion with Bane proved successful in Memphis.
Phoenix Suns
Potential Package: Jalen Green, salary filler, and picks.
Rationale: The surprising Suns could vault into the West's upper echelon by replacing their non-shooting centers with Jackson. The deal hinges on Phoenix's willingness to part with the injured but talented Green and its limited draft capital.
Detroit Pistons
Potential Package: Jaden Ivey or Ron Holland, salary filler, and picks.
Rationale: Jackson would complement Jalen Duren perfectly, forming a physically imposing and defensively versatile frontcourt tailored to challenge teams like Oklahoma City.
San Antonio Spurs
Potential Package: Keldon Johnson or Devin Vassell, salary filler, and picks.
Rationale: A Jackson-Victor Wembanyama frontcourt would be historically terrifying on defense. The Spurs have the expiring contracts and draft capital to structure a compelling offer without touching their core young guards.
Toronto Raptors
Potential Package: Collin Murray-Boyles, salary filler, and picks.
Rationale: Jackson would be an offensive and defensive upgrade over Jakob Poeltl for a playoff-bound Raptors team. However, Memphis may be hesitant to take on Toronto's long-term salaries.
Golden State Warriors
Potential Package: Jonathan Kuminga, salary filler, and picks.
Rationale: The Warriors, with an aging core, could view Jackson as a player who boosts both ends now and serves as a long-term pillar. Memphis would bet on Kuminga's untapped potential in a new environment.
Atlanta Hawks
Potential Package: Zaccharie Risacher, salary filler, and picks.
Rationale: After missing on Anthony Davis, Atlanta could target Jackson to pair with Jalen Johnson. The Hawks possess valuable draft assets, including an unprotected future Pelicans pick, though that may be reserved for a superstar.
As the trade deadline approaches, Jackson's availability will be a defining storyline, with multiple contenders likely to pursue the two-way star as a final piece for a championship puzzle.
